Bowmanville benefit raises thousands for family who lost home to arson

Neighbors, supporters and businesses come together to help out

Fancey fundraiser

Ryan Pfeiffer / Metroland

BOWMANVILLE -- Larry and Lisa Fancey thanked Michael Hackenberger, owner of the Bowmanville Zoo, after he hosted a fundraising event in support of the the family who lost their home to arson. August 27, 2014.

Fancey fundraiser

Ryan Pfeiffer / Metroland

BOWMANVILLE -- A fundraising event was held at the Bowmanville Zoo in support of Larry and Lisa Fancey and their family, who lost their home to arson. August 27, 2014.

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A benefit held Wednesday night at the Bowmanville Zoo raised more than $12,500 in cash and donations for the family, whose home was destroyed by a fire Aug. 3. Members of the family were away on vacation at the time of the fire, which police say was arson.

Many of the zoo’s attractions were kept open for the event and young lion cubs could be seen running about while people lined up for a barbecue. Throughout the evening Larry and Lisa Fancey spoke with friends and supporters, some of them neighbours the pair had never met before.

“It makes me happy that there are so many people in the community that care and came out to help us out,” said Ms. Fancey, who was moved to tears several times in the evening.

The family of five spent the first two weeks after the fire living out of a hotel in Whitby but has since found a rental home in Bowmanville. It’s been a stressful transition for the family, who have had to rebuild their lives and adjust to a new home, says Ms. Fancey.

“We spend a lot of time trying to get organized and make it feel like home,” she said. “But it’s not home.”

Amber Buschert was one of the many neighbours who attended the event and offered her support to Ms. Fancey. While their children are friends, it was the first time the women met.

“My heart goes out to them and I can’t imagine how difficult that would be,” said Ms. Buschert. “I know I’d want to feel that kind of support if my family went through that.”

Several businesses contributed greatly to the event, which organizers said drew approximately 250 people. Whitby’s Baton Rouge restaurant was a key proponent of the benefit being organized and operated a barbecue tent throughout the evening.

“There was a tragedy that happened to these folks,” said Steve Bortnik, co-owner of Baton Rouge. “It’s the least we could do.”

Michael Hackenberger, owner of the Bowmanville zoo, was thankful his business could take part.

“We’re part of the community and when someone has a tragedy you reach out in any way you can,” said Mr. Hackenberg. “We’re touched we were asked to be involved and we’re able to help.”

While many donated cash and gift cards, Sleep Country Canada offered the family queen-sized and twin bed sets to replace those the family lost in the fire.

“This story touched our hearts,” said Bill Kelly, who represents Sleep Country businesses from Pickering to Kingston. “I live in Bowmanville and we wanted to reach out and support this family.”

Police are still investigating the fire, and no arrests have been made in the case. The Fanceys have no idea who could have set the fire and are focusing on rebuilding their lives.

“I don’t care who they are, I just want them to serve their time,” said Ms. Fancey.

Anyone with any new information about the fire is asked to contact Det. Findlay of the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1650. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca.